Asthma

Asthma is an allergic reaction in the airways of the lungs, and is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting all age groups in modern society. Worldwide, it is estimated that 330 million people suffer from asthma. 5.2 million people in Britain, including one in ten children, are currently receiving treatment for asthma. It is the most common reason for admission of children to hospital. If untreated, it causes a lifetime of suffering and can be lethal. Asthma is not just a public health problem for 'developed' countries - over 80% of asthma deaths occurs in low and lower-middle income countries. It is predicted that without urgent action asthma deaths will increase by almost 20% in the next 10 years.

05/09/16 New asthma medicine relied on primate studies

A new asthma medicine - Benralizumab - an dramatically reduce the regularity of asthma attacks in humans. Two clinical trials suggest that the frequency of attacks can be cut by a third to a half. Prior to human trials, studies in primates showed Benralizumab was found to be effective at reducing the levels of a type of white blood cells which can cause asthma symptoms in humans when they build up in the lungs.

04/04/16 Study using mice reveals new way lungs respond in asthma attacks

Scientists at the University of Leicester have identified a new biochemical process that controls how air enters and leaves the lungs during normal lung function and during asthma that could lead to new treatments for the disease. By disrupting these biochemical pathways in a mouse model of asthma the scientists discovered that they could prevent airway narrowing and maintain normal lung function. 5.4 million people in the UK suffer with asthma, with the disease affecting one in every 11 people.